How shiny is the anodizing on the 1958 Belvedere grille?

On a 1958 Belvedere, how reflective is the stock anodizing on the grille, headlight eyebrows, etc? I don't think it was a mirror finish. Has anyone here used powder coating as a substitute for new anodizing?

Its not a mirror finish. But a shinny bright finish. I have seen some things powder coated with what they call a chrome like finish and that is very close to me. If you do decide to go a powder coat I would always look at some samples they have. Because what one thinks looks close may not to you. Powder coating is very durable. which is a plus. Im still trying to decide what way im going to go. I may still get my grill nickel plated but not sure quite yet.

Heres what the plating shop told me.. The nickel finish would not require a high level of up keep and is more durable over a anodized finish. The nickel is a little more mirror looking though to me. But I actually like it. The plating process always seems to be tricky with aluminum. Even though it is widely done. I still worry about it peeling. So really im in the same boat as you are. Its hard for me to decide which option would be the best for the durability and appearance. And also value. We cant forget about that. Both shops are right in town here and both are very good at what they do. They both have been in the business a very long time. Specially the plating shop.

You could always remove the anodized plating and polish it, then clear coat it with the correct paint for bare aluminum. For it to stand out you could also paint the top and bottom of the bars flat or gloss black. Marc.

Good suggestions, guys - thanks very much. I prefer something less mirror finish than chrome. I'm leaning towards removing the existing anodizing, cleaning up any flaws, polishing to a uniform finish (maybe a little better than satin?) and then having them re-anodized.

I might try a sample piece with the chrome powder coat to see how it looks. In the pictures I've seen of original cars, it looks like the finish has some gloss but isn't a mirror.